Return of the Marionettes - Bridewell Theatre

Overall I enjoyed the performance this afternoon. Some serious sound problems which proved too much for my wife who left at the interval.

The musical itself is primarily a series of 60s songs written for the show, sung by the fictitious group The Marionettes. As new musicals go I would say it's definitely got longevity in it and with some serious editing and extra material would work well in the likes of Southwark Playhouse.

Last show was tonight but it is then touring in Cornwall. The Marionettes are played as both younger version in their teens, and later version in their late 40s. Both were good but it was the teens that really shone and were very believable as a young girl group. The fact that the lead singer was spitting image of a singer I used to work with did confuse me a bit but they sang and danced as well as many in the West End.

Story line was strong. Where it let itself down was in the amateur nature of the production at times with some pantomine bits thrown in, in what felt like providing an opportunity for other members of the theatre company to make cameo appearances. The main characters were good and I felt it didn't need lots of add ons for cheap laughs. The run time was about 2hrs 45m and could easily lose 20-25m. Only two songs were not as part of the group performing and it could do with a few more as part of dialogue. A bit more focus on the relationship between George the manager and Mary the singer would be good. The other bit that could do with a solution is the role of George the manager. Same person plays George young and old. In part this was necessary from the way it was staged and him switching characters as he was often commentating on events. The trouble was he looked like he was in early twenties so not exactly the 50 year old on stage much of the time. Better to cast 2 Georges and use lighting effects to bring in 2nd George when switching.

First time I have been to Bridewell Theatre. I liked it as a venue and will try to get to more shows there in the future. We found the sound very confusing though. Sat in front row the quite large band was extremely loud through the speakers. The cast seemed to be coming through separate speakers hung above front row and I was left with hearing the sound of cast coming out behind me, often being drowned out by the band's speakers in front of me. It was a shame as a show like this needs to get the sound right as the singing is first class and needs to be heard.

Overall I would give this 3 stars. I hope someone takes a further look at it to see if it has the makings of a fringe performance over a longer run. Original material needs to be encouraged.